After performing phenomenally with the bat in the ICC U-19 World Cup, Shubhman Gill continued with his purple patch in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy on February 11. While representing Punjab under Indian veteran Yuvraj Singh, Gill scored an emphatic century against Karnataka which carved their road to victory. The 18-year-old Indian batting sensation remained unbeaten till the innings end and scored 123 runs off 122 balls. His inning included eight fours and six sixes.

Gill remained the top scorer of the team and anchored team’s batting till the end. The match was reduced to 42-overs a side due to the wet outfield. But the Punjab players got the grip right from the beginning of the game despite an early blow. Opener Manan Vohra went for a golden duck but Gill and Mandeep Singh stitched a partnership of 125 runs.

Mandeep lost his wicket after scoring 64 runs but this loss didn’t bother Gill as he continued punishing the Karnataka bowlers. Skipper Yuvraj also did some talking with the bat. He supported Gill very well and also scored 36 off 28 deliveries, Later, he was removed by Pradeep. Punjab concluded their allotted 42 overs at 269/3.

In return, Karnataka fought hard for victory but they fell short by just four runs. After losing two wickets within 8 overs, KL Rahul smashed a magnificent hundred. He scored 107 runs off just 91 balls, including 8 fours and five sixes. Pavan Deshpande also scored a half-century but the tail-enders failed to save the match.

It was good to see both Rahul and Gill smashing centuries for their teams. For Rahul, it’s a positive sign ahead of the T20I series against South Africa.

On the other hand, Gill is already enjoying his good form which will be a big plus for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the forthcoming season of the IPL who bought him for Rs 1.8 crore. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the world cup and bagged the ‘Man of the Series’ award.